American Psycho: An Exploration of Psycopathy and the American Dream

An Introduction to American Psycho

American Psycho is a 2000 satirical psychological horror film directed by Mary Harron, who co-wrote the screenplay with Guinevere Turner. Based on the 1991 novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, the film stars Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker who hides his psychopathic alter ego from his colleagues and friends.

The Enigmatic Patrick Bateman

Patrick Bateman is a complex and enigmatic character. He is a Wall Street success, wealthy, and handsome. However, beneath this facade lies a dark secret: he is a serial killer. Bateman's crimes are brutal and sadistic, and he takes pleasure in the pain and suffering of others. Yet, despite his horrific actions, Bateman remains charming and charismatic. This duality makes him both fascinating and repellent.

The American Dream Questioned

American Psycho is a biting satire on the American Dream. Bateman's murderous rampage is a reflection of the emptiness and shallowness of the society he inhabits. The film challenges the idea that wealth and success are the keys to happiness, and it exposes the dark side of American culture.